Here is the press release:
Advocacy files legal challenge to WDFW setting of fishing seasons in Washington
Each year, the Department uses a process referred to as “North of Falcon” (NOF) to set recreational and commercial salmon fishing seasons within the state and its coastal waters. A key component is behind closed-door meetings with tribal co-managers resulting in an announcement of a “List of Agreed Fisheries” (LOAF) that is released to public. The department then installs seasons based on the LOAF and effectively denies the public an ability to participate in development of the season.
The Advocacy and others members of the public have repeatedly raised objections to the Department using behind-closed-door meetings in this process. Thousands have signed petitions, attended meetings of the Fish & Wildlife Commission and invested thousands of hours reviewing public records to determine why the Department reaches its season setting decisions. While the Commission passed a policy provision regarding increased transparency in NOF in 2019, the Department has been unwilling or unable to change its ways and in 2019, transparency nearly disappeared as the fishing seasons and regulations were agreed to in a closed-door meeting in California.
The legal action taken does not challenge tribal sovereignty. The state and the tribal governments are committed to co-management of our fisheries resources. That does not, however, exempt the NOF process and WDFW from transparency laws guarantying the citizens of Washington the right to participate and be informed.
The Advocacy believes this continuing controversy simply must come to an end. Fish runs are declining, conservation standards are left ignored, and ESA designation hangs over the state’s head as the Department continues to destroy the public’s confidence in the agency. Clearly, the Department is “in a state of denial” and it will require intervention by the courts effect changes needed to protect the resource and the public’s interest.
The legal filings are available for viewing on the right of this page. If you wish to contribute to the legal effort, your support would truly be appreciated. The Advocacy is a nonprofit organization operated by unpaid volunteers. Donations are not disclosed publicly and are tax deductible.
